NUCLEON 16 UDH

High pivot rear ends, where the swingarm pivot point is located well above the front chainring, have a decisive advantage over suspension systems with a low swingarm pivot point, usually at the level of the top edge of the chainring. When it comes to downhill and high speed, rough rides over obstacle-laden trails, high pivot bikes are significantly and measurably faster than low pivot bikes. This is due to the fact that the rear wheel, when hitting an obstacle, does not only bounce upwards as usual but also moves backwards at the same time according to a specific axle path. It thus follows the impact angle of a rock or a thick root much better. The rear wheel strikes less heavily against the obstacle. It does not hook up. So a high-pivot bike is less likely to be slowed down by rough bumps.

At the UDH standard, a SRAM AXS Transmission rear derailleur is attached directly to the thru axle of the frame rear. These rear derailleurs are designed significantly more stable than regular derailleurs and thus better protected against bending and ripping off. Their higher torsional stiffness also ensures higher shifting precision. SRAM AXS Transmission rear derailleurs are operated electronically and wireless and are optimized for shifting under maximum load. To minimize the effect of significant chain elongation that occurs with a high-pivot design, the Nucleon 16 UDH uses a lower guide pulley on the front chainring in addition to the upper idler. Thus, the returning chain is guided towards the swingarm pivot point, which reduces the elongation during compression. At the same time, this reduces chain slap and effectively prevents the chain from running off. Through the use of the lower guide pulley, the travel of the chain tensioner is within the technical limits that SRAM specifies for its Transmission derailleurs, even when the rear is fully compressed and in any gear.

With the Nucleon 16 we have realized an anti-squat characteristic with a maximum of 155% in the largest and 105% in the smallest gear, at a sag of 40mm. Compared to other high-performance enduro bikes, this means a particularly narrow spread of the anti-squat effect across the entire range of gears. A higher Anti-Squat value in medium to long gears is advantageous, since riding at high speeds is usually done standing up, with a rider applying significantly stronger load changes when pedaling. In small gears, on the other hand, the rider is usually seated and the load changes are correspondingly lower, but pedaling is most frequent in this gear ratio range. A lower but still effective anti-squat effect, as achieved by the kinematics of the Nucleon 16, is therefore optimal here.

Geolution is a unique geometry concept based on the idea that a longer wheelbase, flatter steering angle and steeper seat angle make the bike faster, smoother, easier to climb and also safer. Climbing performance is improved because the steep seat angle and long front end put the rider in a position that prevents the front wheel from rising on steep climbs. The long wheelbase and a flat steering angle, on the other hand, allow high downhill and cornering speeds and prevent the feeling of going over the handlebars on steep downhill sections. The central seating position and the central center of gravity also provide an optimal load distribution between front wheel and rear wheel, which improves control in dynamic riding situations. This improves control in dynamic riding situations and the handling of the bike overall.

In the design of turned and milled parts, we use FEM software (Finite Element Method) to simulate the loads that will occur in later use in order to determine the optimum shape (topology) of these components. Critical areas of the design become visible in this way and can be strengthened by adding material, while material can be saved at less stressed points. In this way, highly complex parts and assemblies can be manufactured that combine maximum durability with minimum weight.

Hollow Milled Technology is a design and manufacturing process that maximizes material and weight savings without weakening the structure when building highly stressed volume components such as the bottom bracket base of the new Nucleon 16. For this purpose, the stress zones in the material are determined by computer simulation during the design phase. Highly stressed areas can thus be strengthened, while material can be saved in areas subject to low stress. This method is called topology optimization. The use of state-of-the-art 5-axis milling machines allows us to manufacture highly complex, hollow-milled frame components from a single piece and to transfer the optimized design with the highest attention to detail.

The rear end of a full-suspension bike is subjected to high dynamic loads during riding. The focus here is on the bearing points where the forces are transmitted between the components. The full-ball, double-sealed bearings installed on our frames are made by the ENDURO brand. They not only have top marks for power transmission, but also a particularly low breakaway torque, which ensures sensitive, smooth suspension response. At the same time, they offer the best possible sealing against dirt and moisture for a long service life and long maintenance intervals.